Best way to sort out electric problem?

Question

There is a light fitted to the wall in my bathroom which I plan on removing, I plan on cutting the wire, poking it back into the wall and covering it with plaster.

Is that a good, way to do it or should I be doing it another way? The light doesn't work and I want it gone so any help would be useful, thanks.

Answer 1

It's probably the light that doesn't work, not the wire.

The wire's probably live. Get an electrician. Taking a shortcut isn't worth the fear of a fire.

Answer 2

Sounds a good way to start a fire, unless you know for absolutely certain that the wires are not connected at the other end.

Get an electrician.

Answer 3

Totally unacceptable, and possibly illegal. You need to remove the wire from the junction box it originates from (possibly in your loft?)

Answer 4

Removing it to the source is best but you can cap the wires, tape them and then cover the box with an appropriate metal cover before plastering.

Answer 5

shouldn't you disconnect it at the other end first i mean  from the switch

Answer 6

The possibility of live wires under the plaster is a real danger in a bathroom.  Water is an EXCELLENT conductor of electricity (hence all the special regulations for wet areas!) and condensation on plaster is a hidden danger in such circumstances:  anyone using the shower or bath could be electrocuted, without even touching the wall.

Answer 7

Sounds ok. Just put some wire nuts on the end of the wires and place a metal cover over the hole. You can paint the cover. Also, if the light doesn't work, its possible there isn't any electricity running to it to risk a fire.

Answer 8

The electrical code calls for no flying taps, or taps without a box.  It also says that all connections should be accessible.  To tuck it into the wall would not be advisable. You could always put a cover on the box, and paint over it. Or you could put a cover over the box, and hang something in front of it. These are the cheap alternatives.  If you are handy, you could trace it out yourself with a continuity tester.  Find where it goes, disconnect it from there, and eliminate the problem.

Answer 9

I think it would be very risky to do anything without finding where the wire comes from.

If it definitely goes to the switch you should at least disconnect the wires from the switch (and remove the switch?) and insulate both ends of the wire with insulation tape.

Even better, see if you can pull the wire out of the wall (unlikely but worth a go).

Of course you should make sure that the mains are off before you even think about it.